Media Releases

Schools receive funding for technology enhancement

The South Dakota Department of Education has awarded five 21st Century Skills and Technology Professional Development grants totaling almost $700,000 to school systems and educational cooperatives.
The competitive process for the awards requires applicants to propose research-based, innovative strategies to improve student achievement through the use of 21st century skills, with an emphasis on instructional technology.
The awards were funded through the competitive portion of No Child Left Behind, Title II, Part D, Enhancing Education Through Technology Program.
“Making these funds available is part of the state’s ongoing effort to promote the integration of technology into classrooms so our students are adequately prepared to enter a 21st-century environment upon graduation from South Dakota high schools,” said Peg Henson, Title II, Part D program manager for the state Department of Education.
Entities receiving grants include: the Black Hills Special Services Cooperative and partner districts, East Dakota Educational Cooperative and partner districts, Wolsey-Wessington School District, Clark School District and partner districts, and the Brookings School District and partner districts.
The money can be used to pay for curriculum development or teacher training in reference to technology literacy.